Research And Development jobs in United Kingdom

CPL Executive Search is assisting a fast-growing Global natural food colours and ingredients company in looking for a highly experienced Technical Director based in Europe. They will manage the successful and efficient operations of 3 different locations of the Colour Product Development, Applications, and Technical Support European Departments.

The ideal candidate will have a strong technical knowledge and experience of the food colour Industry as well as a thorough understanding of the production/manufacturing processes. The candidate will also have excellent project management skills, a successful track record and a ‘can-do’ attitude.

POSITION

• Manage the project portfolio and pipeline for Europe, monitoring and ensuring all required metrics are met consistently on a monthly basis. Ensure the annual budgetary requirements for the department are met
• Able to develop, implement and deploy strategic and organization plans for the laboratory teams in Europe
• Travel with the sales team as required, providing technical support and conducting customer presentations as needed
• Oversee and review all project activity for Colour Applications and Product Development
• Report metrics for the departments

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Range of product management responsibilities across the product range
• Understand and has knowledge of the principles of colour chemistry and colour measurement
• Understand the chemistry and performance of food ingredients used in colour formulations. Formulate new products involving colours, as required
• Deliver superior technical expertise, presentations and training to customers for value added service
• Review and approve specifications for colours manufactured and distributed by the company, as required
• Approve specifications of raw materials and packing material used for colours manufactured by the company, as required.
• Approve testing methods for colours manufactured by the company, as required
• Review customer specifications and determine compliance of company products, with a clear understanding of customer requirements
• Understand, interpret and apply current regulations and where required, globally, keeping current with any regulatory changes within the region
• Ensure compliance with regulations governing the specifications and use of colours and colour blends manufactured, or distributed, by the company
• Ensure compliance with regulations governing the specifications and use of colours and colour blends manufactured or distributed by the company for all laboratories in Europe
• Review and approve testing methods for colours manufactured by the company
• Report to the VP Global Colour Applications and R&D, who based in US, and performs any other related job assigned. Has administrative reporting to the Regional CEO-Europe
• Relocation maybe required to the European facility

KEY SKILLS

• Strongly motivated, self-starter, with strong business acumen and entrepreneurial attitude
• Must be credible and professional in all communications and activities
• Highly trustworthy and strong transparent communicator
• Work well in a team but is able to work and manage their own workload without local supervision
• Must be highly organised
• Works well with short timelines and multiple tasks

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Minimum MSc in Chemistry, Food Science, Food Engineering, or related field
• Four year degree or MBA or related area beneficial, but not required
• Minimum 8 to 10 years of experience in the food or related industry. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience as noted above is acceptable.
• Minimum five 5 years management experience, managing people and in project management
• Experience with program/system planning, staff development, statistical reporting/analysis and cost/benefit analysis preferred
• In-depth understanding and practical experience with production/manufacturing preferred
• Ability to apply common-sense to solve problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists
• Work requires excellent ability and skills to manage people, set goals and obtain positive results for competence development and the overall growth of the company
• Work requires excellent written, verbal and group presentation communication skills

PACKAGE

• Competitive salary with benefits
• Interviews will be remote by Skype or phone with final interviews taking place at the Head office with senior members of the company

TEL: +44 1865 257 252 for an informal discussion

Please contact CPL Executive Search or telephone +44 1865 257 252 for a confidential, informal discussion.

[This post has now been filled but we are always interested in adding suitably qualified candidates to our network. You can connect to us via LinkedIn or by email . Please note that CPL Executive Search works exclusively on retained executive search engagements commissioned by our clients and does not offer placement services or find positions for candidates].